Old Money Aesthetic and fashion etiquette for Fall/Winter
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
Release Date: 10/07/2024
No Trust Fund, No Problem: How to summer like an Astor on any budget
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
In this sun-soaked episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we unpack the storied tradition of “summering” in old money circles—from Newport to Nantucket, the Hamptons to the Highlands. Kiki dives into the social history behind the season: why certain destinations became icons of understated wealth, how WASPs made “going to the country” a ritual of quiet luxury, and what distinguishes a legacy summer spot from a flashy one. You’ll learn: The defining characteristics of old money vacation spots, and the key packing list items for each The etiquette (and quiet codes) of...
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Forks, Fermented Fish, and Faux Pas: Etiquette and Table Manners for the Old Money Set
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
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Monogram Etiquette, Style, Tradition, and Rules: old money preppy, or tacky?
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we tackle the timeless, tasteful, and occasionally tacky world of monograms. From heirloom linens to luggage tags, monogramming is the original quiet luxury flex—if you know how to do it right. Kiki explores the history of monograms, their role in old money culture, and the subtle etiquette rules that separate timeless from tacky. Think: Where should your initials go? How many things can you monogram before it’s a crisis? Should couples share a monogram? (Spoiler: not always.) We’ll decode the do’s and don’ts of personalizing...
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The old money photography secrets Slim Aarons knew (and you may not)
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
Today, we’re turning our lens—quite literally—toward the fascinating intersection of photography and old money. From the earliest daguerreotypes in stiff collars to the poolside glamour captured by Slim Aarons, photography has always been a mirror, revealing not just what we look like—but who we *think* we are. We’ll begin with a little history: how photography was once the domain of the upper class, with hand-colored portraits and family albums kept under lock and key, and how the arrival of the Kodak changed everything—from debutante balls to Riviera summers. Then...
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Table for one, please: the lost art of intentional, elegant solitude
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
In this elegantly introspective episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, etiquette expert and romance author Kiki explores the timeless allure and quiet power of solitude. From the romance novel heroine brooding on a windswept terrace to the old money doyenne dining solo in a tucked-away bistro, being alone is not a condition to be pitied—it’s an art to be mastered. Kiki delves into the etiquette of spending time alone with intention and elegance, whether you’re reading on a park bench, traveling solo, or savoring a quiet meal at a fine restaurant. Learn how to navigate the manners...
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Heritage or hype? The true value of luxury handbags in 2025: an old money perspective
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we dive into the true value of luxury goods—especially designer handbags—amid a shifting global economy, social media overexposure, and growing transparency about where and how these so-called “heritage pieces” are actually made. In the age of the Wirkin, or Walmart Birkin, and in the wake of the Chinese revealing exactly how many luxury goods get produced in their factories rather than in chic Parisian ateliers, Kiki unpacks (pun very much intended) the history of handbags as status symbols, from old money necessity to nouveau...
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Social skills hacks that actually work: Etiquette vs social anxiety
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
If you suffer from social anxiety, you might think that the old money, high society types you see effortlessly navigayting cocktail parties were simply born with a socializing superpower, or that they learned it in boarding school, and that it's too late for you, but that's not true. In this calming yet cheeky episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, Kiki turns her velvet gloves toward a topic near and dear to many hearts: social anxiety. Whether you freeze at cocktail parties, overthink every interaction, or find yourself replaying conversations in bed at night, this episode is your...
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The rise of the Nouveau Pauvre: Status in the age of economic instability and inequity
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
When your host, Auntie Kiki, says she’s an “ex rich person” and espouses the label of “nouveau pauvre,” you may be left wondering whether that means she’s fabulously wealthy or delightfully destitute, or somewhere in between. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore our society’s love-hate relationship with wealth, performative wealth on social media platforms and in real life, the rich vs poor divide, the rise of nouveau pauvre as the defining ethos of our times, and why the old money aesthetic and lifestyle gained so much traction in a time of...
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The ultimate guide to old money style garden parties and outdoor entertaining
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
Is there anything more elegant and romantic than a garden party? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor dishes on the secrets of hosting the perfect old money garden party, because it takes a bit of behind the scenes preparation to exude effortless charm. From phrasing the invitations, to selecting the right garden party dress code to mastering high society entertaining, Kiki breaks down the essential elements of gracious outdoor hosting. She explores the proper etiquette for garden parties, including how to handle uninvited guests, seating arrangements, and social faux pas...
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Unbothered & Elegant: Let's discuss Mel Robbins' “Let Them” theory
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
Whether it’s at a cocktail party, on the tennis court, or around the dinner table, Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory is the pop culture, pop psychology self-help phenomenon on everybody’s lips. But what does it really mean, and how does one apply it to living an authentic, elegant life on one’s own terms? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we dive into Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory and how it applies to high society etiquette, social skills, and romantic dilemmas. From handling social climbers with grace to dealing with romantic rejection like a queen and knowing...
info_outlineWinter is coming!
Some of you dread this turning of the seasons, and some of you celebrate it. Those of you who love winter, admit it- it's all about the fashion, isn't it? But with more layers come more problems and questions: how does one layer? Which socks are we suposed to be wearing? Can I wear trendy chocolate brown with black? Which shoes are appropriate? How does one wear formal gloves? Must I remove my hat?
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we dive deep into the world of old money aesthetic Fall and Winter fashion. Discover the timeless elegance that defines this sophisticated style, from classic silhouettes to luxurious fabrics. Kiki discusses what to wear and how to wear it, ensuring you embody the effortless charm of the elite.
Explore essential fashion and etiquette rules you might not have known, including how to choose the right colors that evoke a sense of understated wealth—think deep jewel tones and muted earth shades. Kiki shares her expert tips on selecting accessories that enhance your outfit without overpowering it, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity.
Wondering what to buy and what to avoid? This episode covers the must-have pieces for your wardrobe, such as tailored coats, cashmere sweaters, and elegant shoes, while steering you clear of fleeting trends that don’t align with the old money ethos.
Join Kiki as she unpacks the nuances of dressing with class and sophistication, offering valuable insights that will elevate your wardrobe and refine your personal style. Whether you're aiming to perfect your old money aesthetic or simply want to understand the subtle intricacies of fashion etiquette, this episode is a must-listen!
Tune in for a blend of fashion advice, etiquette tips, and a dash of humor that will leave you feeling inspired and well-prepared for the colder months ahead.